Role Calling (Caroline Siede and Ned Baker)

It's the big one! Caroline and Ned dive into Christian Bale's early career, and dig into where Caroline's obsession actually started. That's right, it's time to talk about thespian club movie nights, Newsies dance numbers, and DVD bootlegs of "Blood Drips Heavily on Newsies Square." All that plus more Little Women chat than you could ever want or need from a movie podcast! Which March sisters do the hosts relate to most? Why was Ned in a secret book club? And just how many versions of Little Women can Caroline manage to discuss in a single episode? Listen to find out, as Role Calling examines Christian Bale's performance as Laurie in Gillian Armstrong's 1994 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's iconic novel.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

The era of Dev Patel is here! Caroline and Ned are thrilled to be joined by special guest Manish Mathur to kick off this brand new miniseries. The trio travel back to the halcyon days of 2008 to look at Dev's breakthrough debut in Slumdog Millionaire. And they attempt to figure out how this movie has aged, and the career path it set up (or didn't) for dear Dev.

You can follow Manish Mathur on Twitter (twitter.com/TheManish89) and read his wonderful writing about Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay! on The Spool (https://tinyurl.com/7ss9v6tr) as well as with the BFI's Blu-ray release (https://tinyurl.com/4zumnxfa). You can also listen to his podcasts It Pod To Be You (https://tinyurl.com/ym7uv33d) and Queer And Now (https://tinyurl.com/4tvxuzh6).

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Released mid-pandemic, The Personal History of David Copperfield got a little lost in the shuffle last year. But Caroline and Ned are here to tell you why Armando Iannucci's whimsical Dickens adaptation is worth seeking out! Plus they look at how casting Dev Patel as an icon of British literature just might be the key to unlocking his full range of skills as an actor—which is hopefully good news for the upcoming Green Knight.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Who is the man that would risk his neck for his brother, man? Wright! Can you dig it? Ned and Caroline sure can. This week, the hosts take a look at Jeffrey Wright's iconic turn as Peoples Hernandez in John Singleton's 2000 action crime thriller, Shaft. They chat about what Wright brings to the larger-than-life villain role as well as how this legacy sequel stacks up against the 1971 original. Plus they revisit early Role Calling star Christian Bale in his illustrious era of playing murderous yuppies. So throw on a leather trench coat, grab your favorite ice pick, and come listen along.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

After a brief detour with Neighbors, Caroline and Ned return to "Zac Efron: Oops All Musicals" territory with The Greatest Showman — one of the wildest cinematic endeavors of the past decade. And to break down the circus insanity, they're joined by a very special guest: Caroline's sister, Katie Siede!

Together, the trio chat about CGI lions, impressive aerial stunts, and Zac's unique brand of musical theater earnestness. Plus Katie and Caroline reminiscence about trying to learn the "This Is Me" choreography; Ned celebrates the athleticism of Dog Boy; and everyone is thoroughly baffled by the choice to frame P.T. Barnum as a hero of the oppressed.

Is this movie good? Is it bad? Forget it, Jake. It's The Greatest Showman. 

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

After spending the 1980s making provocative dramedies with Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, Antonio Banderas made the leap to Hollywood in the 1990s. And the film that really solidified his status as an American leading man is Robert Rodriguez's 1995 neo-Western, Desperado.

From onscreen explosions to his explosive chemistry with Salma Hayek, Ned and Caroline chat all about Antonio's iconic turn as a vengeful Mariachi in the second installment of Rodriguez's "Mexico Trilogy." And since Antonio's partnership with Rodriguez also includes the Spy Kids franchise, the hosts decided to do a whole sidebar about that bonkers 2001 film too.

How does a gritty action flick lead to an over-the-top family spy comedy? Well, that's just the Rodriguez/Banderas way.

• As mentioned in the episode, here's the video of Dakota Johnson honoring her stepdad "Paponio" at the Hollywood Film Awards: https://youtu.be/Z_lwsAIBvXA

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

The journey to Mordor continues as Ned and Caroline move on to Peter Jackson's action-packed epic, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Special guest Joe Cunningham of the Cinematic Universe podcast joins to break down the debuts of Gollum, Rohan, Treebeard and more — not to mention a little sequence called the Battle of Helm's Deep.

The trio also touch on The Rings of Power, analyze the accents across the LOTR ensemble, and get into an unexpectedly heated debate about Faramir.

You can follow Joe on Twitter (@JoeCunningham14) and find Cinematic Universe (@cine_verse) wherever you listen to podcasts, as well as on Patreon.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

From Batman to BAFTAs, Christian Bale has grown into one of our most acclaimed actors. And this week, Ned and Caroline look at the movie that won him his Oscar: The 2010 David O. Russell boxing drama, The Fighter. But the hosts don't actually have that much to say about the movie itself, so they mostly try to dig into Christian's acting process instead! Just what does it mean to be a method actor? And is Christian actually one? Plus some thoughts on how Christian's movie star persona has changed over the years, his penchant for quirky awards speeches, and a really weird Esquire interview (esquire.com/entertainment/a8920/christian-bale-interview-1210/). And always remember: "Head, body, head, body."

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Before Ned and Caroline journey to Middle Earth for their Lord of the Rings specials, they take a look back at the best, worst and most "meh" films they watched in 2022. Welcome to Role Calling's first (maybe annual) Letterboxd Special!

From Barbarian to Jurassic World Dominion to Marcel the Shell, enjoy some spoiler-free recs for what to watch and what to avoid as the hosts recount their defining movie-watching experiences of the year — and how they logged them on Letterboxd. 

• Follow Ned on Letterboxd (@nednednedned)
• Follow Caroline on Letterboxd (@carolinesiede)

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

This week, Ned and Caroline interrupt their Antonio Banderas series for a special bonus episode on Thor: Love and Thunder. Because Christian Bale has joined the MCU and that seems worth podcasting about! The hosts dive into all things Thor as they discuss Natalie Portman's return, Taika Waititi's comedic sensibilities, Chris Hemsworth's unexpectedly gentle performance, and the general state of Marvel Phase Four. Plus they debate how much Korg is too much Korg, and, of course, sing the praises of Bale's terrifying turn as Gorr the God Butcher.

• You can read Caroline's full review of Thor: Love and Thunder

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Our Jamie Lee Curtis series comes full circle right back to Haddonfield, Illinois—where the prison system really needs to stop trying to transfer Michael Myers on October 30th. Ned and Caroline welcome horror aficionado Brian Muldoon of the Happy Harvest Horror Show to discuss Jamie Lee Curtis' much-hyped return as Laurie Strode in 2018's Halloween. The trio also chat about the Halloween franchise as a whole, whether or not slashers are scary, and what they hope to see from JLC in the future. Plus Ned and Caroline introduce the star of their next retrospective series.

You can find the Happy Harvest Horror Show (anchor.fm/hhhs) wherever you listen to podcasts, and keep up with all their spooky season antics on Instagram (instagram.com/happyharvesthorrorshow).

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Ned hops back into the hosting chair this week to kick off Role Calling's brand new miniseries on the films of Jamie Lee Curtis. Hollywood royalty from the moment she was born, Jamie officially started her reign as a Scream Queen in her breakout debut in John Carpenter's iconic 1978 slasher flick, Halloween. And Ned and Caroline bring two very different horror movie perspectives as they look back on the film that helped revolutionize the genre.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Our Zac Efron retrospective series comes to a close with a brand new movie and a brand new jawline! This week, Documentary Now! writer/producer Matt Pacult joins Caroline and Ned to break down Zac's new AppleTV+ Vietnam War comedy, The Greatest Beer Run Ever. The trio also chat about the new look Zac debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival, his role as a brand ambassador for Kodiak Cakes pancake mix, and where they think his career might head next as he celebrates his 35th birthday this week.

You can follow Matt on Instagram (@mattpacult), and be sure to watch the new season of Documentary Now! on IFC and AMC+.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

As you look at the fireworks light up the night sky this Fourth of July weekend, enjoy this special bonus episode on In The Heights! Ned and Caroline take a break from their usual actor-focus to indulge their deepest theater kid impulses. And they're thrilled to be joined by their friend Alejandro Tey to take a deep dive into what works and what doesn't about Jon M. Chu's 2021 big screen adaption of Lin-Manuel Miranda's 2008 Broadway musical.

Just a heads up that this episode includes a discussion of colorism and racism from 1:08:30-1:32:00. To learn more about that issue, you can read Jasmine Haywood's "In the Heights exemplified the ugly colorism I’ve experienced in Latinx communities" (https://www.vox.com/first-person/2021/6/18/22537351/in-the-heights-lin-manuel-miranda-colorism) and The New York Times' roundtable "In the Heights and Colorism: What Is Lost When Afro-Latinos Are Erased" (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/21/movies/in-the-heights-colorism.html).

We also highly encourage you to hire Alejandro Tey for all of your gaming needs via Tabletale Games (https://www.tabletalegames.com/)!

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Things take a turn for the morally ambiguous this week, as Ned and Caroline wade into the dark waters of Sicario. The 2015 Denis Villeneuve thriller stars Emily Blunt as a principled FBI agent who gets roped into some shady dealings for the U.S. government. It's easily the heaviest film the podcast has covered yet, and Ned and Caroline parse what to make of its suspenseful look at the Mexican drug war. Plus they sing the praises of Blunt's impressively restrained performance, and debate what makes a B-movie a B-movie.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Volcano cult classics aside, Sleepless In Seattle is really the movie that made Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks an iconic rom-com duo — which is funny considering they only share one scene together! This week, Caroline and Ned look back on the feel-good '90s favorite that is low-key pretty high-concept. Plus they reveal how they've personally crossed paths with the Hanks family.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Eight years after High School Musical, Zac Efron reinvented himself as the ultimate bro comedy star with 2014's Neighbors. But how did he do it? Caroline and Ned are here to find out as they dive into the era of Frat Efron!

From the lows of Baywatch and Dirty Grandpa to the highs of the Neighbors franchise, Caroline and Ned analyze the appeal of these raunchy comedies (and recount some of their best and worst jokes). Plus they try to figure out what these films have to say about Zac's own bro psychology.

Read the 2014 Hollywood Reporter interview we keep referencing in this episode

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Before Antonio Banderas was a Hollywood icon, he was an early muse for Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. And this week, Ned and Caroline look at all five of their 1980s collaborations, anchored by Antonio's sexy/scary turn as a kidnapper in 1989's Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! And since the hosts are very much novices when it comes to these films, there was only one person they could ask to guest on this episode: Noted Almodóvar expert and enthusiast Manish Mathur!

Together, the trio chat through films like Matador, Law of Desire and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Plus they hash out what makes Almodóvar such a special filmmaker and how he sees Antonio Banderas in a different way than Hollywood does.

You can follow Manish on Twitter (@vertigay314) and Letterboxd. And listen to his podcasts It Pod To Be You and Queer And Now — especially the episodes on Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! and Pain and Glory.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Don your masks and saddle your horses, it's time to tackle the classic (and maybe unfairly forgotten) 1990s swashbuckling adventure, The Mask of Zorro! This week, Ned and Caroline kick off their brand new Antonio Banderas series with arguably his most iconic big screen performance to date. And they enlist their friend and fellow Zorro fan Jon Harrison to help them do it.

From playful performances to smokin' hot romances, the trio go deep on what makes this film so special. And Ned should know, he's spent a lifetime championing this former childhood fav. 

Also, we forgot to mention it in the episode, but we have a brand new Instagram account! Follow us there, where we're @rolecalling.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter (@rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Whether you call it Edge of Tomorrow or Live Die Repeat, either way this sci-fi action flick rules! And Ned and Caroline are thrilled to be joined by special guest Emily Marso to breakdown why. The trio chat time loops, Tom Cruise, and the throwback feminism of 2014. Plus they wrap up Role Calling's Emily Blunt retrospective series with some final thoughts on her curiously hard-to-pin-down career.

You can follow Emily Marso on Instagram (instagram.com/missmarso) and Twitter (twitter.com/missmarso), and watch her short film "Swipe Up, Vivian" (omeleto.com/255586/)

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

How did Dev Patel follow up his one-in-a-million breakthrough debut in Slumdog Millionaire? By starring in one of the most hated movies of all time! This week, Caroline and Ned reluctantly dive into the world of M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender, and try to figure out what went wrong with this disastrous adaption of a beloved animated series.

You can watch Dev talk about his experience on The Last Airbender as part of a 2016 Hollywood Reporter roundtable (youtu.be/YyQGKSzYqBg). Also check out this guide to why you should watch the animated series (instagram.com/p/CAehPPFDsYv) and Xiran Jay Zhao's impressive thread on the show's cultural influences (twitter.com/XiranJayZhao/status/1340444180837855232?s=20).

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Before Jeffrey Wright became Hollywood's go-to character actor, he had his breakout leading man turn in the 1996 indie biopic, Basquiat. So this week, Ned and Caroline journey into the world of neo-expressionist art with special guest Joolz of The Pod Has Been Cast. From David Bowie as Andy Warhol to the director's self-insert character, there's a lot to unpack. And the trio wade through it all while celebrating Wright's mesmerizing turn as Jean-Michel Basquiat himself.

You can follow Joolz on Instagram (instagram.com/itsjoolz) and find their sci-fi Dungeons & Dragons show The Podcast Has Been Cast (thephbcast.com) wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also keep up with the show on Instagram (instagram.com/thepodhasbeencast).

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

After two decades of blockbuster filmmaking, Antonio Banderas put his dramatic chops to tremendous use in 2019's Pain and Glory — earning his first ever Oscar nomination in the process. This week, Ned and Caroline are joined by actor and teacher Will Kazda to break down this stunning Pedro Almodóvar film, which sees Antonio play a fictionalized version of the famed director. The trio also spend a surprising amount of time talking about the Shrek and Puss in Boots franchises, as well as Antonio's years as the Nasonex bee. Plus Ned and Caroline announce the next actor they'll be covering after saying adios to Antonio.

You can follow Will on Twitter and Instagram, as well as on his excellent Letterboxd account (all @willkazda).

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

James Dean may have only starred in three films, but one of them was a full-on epic. This week Caroline and Ned welcome pop culture critic Roxana Hadadi to talk about Giant, the last (and longest) film Dean ever made. The trio discuss what makes this iconic 1956 American epic so special, how it looks from the eyes of 2021, and what it's like to watch the teen idol age into an old man onscreen. Plus they chat about some behind-the-scenes gossip and share their parting thoughts on Dean's place as a Hollywood legend.

You can follow Roxana on Twitter (twitter.com/roxana_hadadi) for all her great pop culture takes.

As referenced in the episode, here's the photo of James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor practicing ballet on the set of Giant (i.pinimg.com/originals/d2/94/ee/d294ee3f8f728708c37e9a20678f23c5.jpg)

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Mary Poppins Returns was fairly swiftly forgotten after its 2018 release, but what this podcast presupposes is... maybe it's kind of great? But don't just take Ned and Caroline's word for it! Midway through this episode, Ned phones up his 5- and 8-year-old cousins to get their take on this modern Disney musical. Beyond that, Ned and Caroline discuss how this 54-years-later sequel compares to the original, try not to cry over Ben Whishaw's performance, and dig into the Lin-Manuel Miranda of it all. Plus, of course, they look at what Emily Blunt brings to the iconic role of Mary Poppins herself.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Eight years after Slumdog Millionaire introduced Dev Patel to the world, Lion finally made him an Oscar-nominated leading man. Caroline and Ned are joined by special guest Adarsh Shah to break down this incredibly moving 2016 family drama that changed the entire course of Dev’s career. 

[Just a heads up that Lion includes themes of potential sexual abuse and human trafficking, and we briefly discuss those topics in the episode as well.]

You can follow Adarsh on Instagram (instagram.com/adarshofsalt) and Twitter (twitter.com/adarshofsalt), and get a glimpse of his Hrithik Roshan hair goals here (https://static.toiimg.com/photo/msid-66473059/66473059.jpg?132351).

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Role Calling's three-part Lord of the Rings holiday special comes to a conclusion, but not before a rousing climax and several emotional endings. This week, actor/producer Mary Kate Wiles joins Ned and Caroline for a conversation all about Peter Jackson's third and final LOTR installment, The Return of the King. And boy is there a lot to discuss!

From the Battle of the Pelennor Fields to the showdown on Mount Doom, the trio go deep on what makes Tolkien's world so special, which performers shine brightest in ROTK, and which scenes they can't stop thinking about.

You can follow Mary Kate on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Patreon (@mkwiles on most social media platforms). And be sure to check out Shipwrecked Comedy's delightful new series "Headless: A Sleepy Hollow Story," which is streaming for free on YouTube as both a 10-part series and a single-cut version.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

This week on Role Calling, it's A Quiet Place two-fer! In the first half of the episode, Ned and Caroline chat all about Emily Blunt's excellent performance alongside her real-life husband John Krasinski in 2018's A Quiet Place. And then in the second half, the hosts share the special in-person conversation they recorded right after seeing A Quiet Place Part II together. That's right, movie theaters are back, baby! But is it worth going to see A Quiet Place Part II in one? Or are you better just sticking to the original? Ned and Caroline weigh in on all that and more. Plus they give some unique nicknames to the Abbott family.

**The conversation about A Quiet Place Part II starts at 50:45 with some general spoiler-free chat about the film**

Check out YouTuber Jessica Kellgren-Fozard's sign language story (youtu.be/Nd3iKEtd0wA) and her discussion of mask wearing and deafness (youtu.be/IBlRf77D0bc).

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

The Summer of Dev is finally here! This week, Caroline and Ned try to make sense of David Lowery's transfixingly ambiguous medieval epic The Green Knight. Plus they share some final thoughts on Dev's career, introduce the star of their next retrospective series, and ponder "What does the fox say?"

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

This week, Caroline and Ned tackle the movie that made Christian Bale a household name: His starring turn as Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan's 2005 dark and gritty reboot, Batman Begins. The hosts explore the long history of the Batman franchise, try to figure out why Nolan's re-imagining hit so big, and dig into what Bale brings to the role. How does his Bruce Wayne stack up to previous incarnations? What do the hosts think of Bale's infamous Batman voice? And just where were the other drugs going? All that plus some general chat about Christian's strange early aughts career, from fighting dragons with Matthew McConaughey to losing 60 pounds for The Machinist. Also, Caroline accidentally spoils the most dramatic scene in Equilibrium, but she figures no one will really care.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

For those who came of age in the early 2000s, Freaky Friday was *the* introduction to Jamie Lee Curtis. And Ned and Caroline are thrilled to welcome special guest Pernell Vandyke Myers to take a nostalgic walk down memory lane to the era of pop punk and Chad Michael Murray. From Jamie's stellar performance as a teenager to the Lindsay Lohan of it all, the trio take a look at what holds up and what doesn't about this 2003 classic.

You can follow Pernell on Twitter (twitter.com/PernellVan) for all his "hornery" takes.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Hey there, teenage Baltimore! Don't change that channel, 'cause it's time for the Role Calling podcast, brought to you by Ultra Clutch Hairspray!

After bursting onto the scene as an aughts teen heartthrob in High School Musical, Zac Efron got a chance to put his spin on a 1960s teen heartthrob too — in the 2007 movie musical Hairspray. How does his work as Link Larkin hold up today? And how does this movie as a whole hold up today? Caroline and Ned get into the good, the bad, and the John Travolta of it all in the latest installment of their "Zac Efron: Oops, All Musicals" series.

Watch Seth Rudetsky break down James Marsden's performance of "It's Hairspray" 

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Stanislavski! Strasberg! Stella! This week, Caroline and Ned go deep on the history of method acting as they look at James Dean's leading man debut in Elia Kazan's 1955 family drama, East of Eden. The hosts explore what it means to be an "actor's director," share some of their own experiences with acting and directing, and try to figure out why this movie is so goddamn stressful.

As mentioned in the episode, you can watch James Dean act opposite Ronald Reagan in the 1954 TV drama " The Dark Dark Hours" (youtu.be/wzVdx-HTPDI). And you can also check out this really great collection of photos from Dean's life (medium.com/everythings-interesting/james-dean-a-life-in-pictures-5c0e0877472).

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

It's the start of something new! This week, Caroline and Ned launch their brand new series on the one and only mid-aughts icon, Zac Efron. And to help them revisit his breakout turn as Troy Bolton in High School Musical, they're joined by special guest and HSM aficionado Zoë Maltby.

Together the trio dig into all things East High, from the highs and lows of the trilogy to the irresistible appeal of Troy Bolton to the high-camp of Ryan and Sharpay. Plus they share their nostalgic memories of the franchise, discuss the cinematic brilliance of "Bet On It" and just generally have one of the most in-depth discussions of a Disney Channel Original Movie series ever recorded.

What team?!? Wildcats!

You can follow Zoë on Twitter and Instagram (both @captainmaltby), as well as on Letterboxd. And donate to her short film via Venmo: @zoemaltby

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

44 years after Jamie Lee Curtis burst onto the scene as Laurie Strode, she returns to wrap up her time with Michael Myers in Halloween Ends. So, naturally, Ned and Caroline had to check in on their former Role Calling star in a special Halloween bonus episode!

They're joined by Happy Harvest Horror Show co-host Brian Muldoon to chat about David Gordon Green's controversial trilogy capper, JLC's unexpectedly upbeat performance, and the Corey Cunningham of it all. Don't worry, however, both fans and detractors of Halloween Ends will find something for them in this episode.

You can find the Happy Harvest Horror Show wherever you listen to podcasts, and keep up with all their spooky season antics on Instagram (@happyharvesthorrorshow). You can also find Brian on Instagram and Twitter (both @brimuldoon)

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

"I turn on my computer. I wait impatiently as it connects. I go online, and my breath catches in my chest until I hear three little words: You've got podcast."

This week, Caroline and Ned bring their Meg Ryan series to a close with the 1998 rom-com classic, You've Got Mail. The last in Ryan's trilogy of romances with both Tom Hanks and Nora Ephron, this one adapts a decades-old story for the AOL age. So how does it hold up today? And what happened to Meg Ryan after her '90s heyday? Ned and Caroline break it all down while raising one last toast to the rom-com queen herself.

Stuff we reference in this episode:

• Caroline's column about You've Got Mail
• Meg Ryan's 2019 interview with The New York Times
• Meg Ryan's 2006 interview with Oprah
• The 1990 People Magazine article about the Dennis/Meg breakup

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Once upon a December, Caroline and Ned were strangers, starting out on a journey, never dreaming how their dreams would come true. Now here they are, podcasting about Meg Ryan's voice performance in the much-loved (non-Disney) princess animated fairy tale, Anastasia.

To help them take this journey to the past, they enlist the expertise of Dr. Sam Summers (@samsummers0), animation academic and co-host of the excellent podcast Disniversity. The trio chat about the wild, weird career of director Don Bluth; the unique animation style of Anastasia; and, of course, the "cultural semiotics" of Meg Ryan's casting!

Listen to Disniversity wherever you get your podcasts (https://linktr.ee/disniversity), follow the show on Twitter (@Disniversity), and buy Sam's book, DreamWorks Animation: Intertextuality and Aesthetics in Shrek and Beyond.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (@rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

In the debut episode of Role Calling, hosts Caroline Siede and Ned Baker kick off their five-part miniseries on the films of Christian Bale. And they start with his breakthrough leading man turn as yuppie serial killer Patrick Bateman in 2000's American Psycho. What does Christian bring to the role? How does this movie hold up today? Do the hosts need to return some video tapes? All that, plus chat about why Ned and Caroline decided to launch the podcast with Christian's career including Caroline's life-long fascination with the erstwhile singing newsboy.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

If there's one thing to know about Ned and Caroline, it's that they love musicals. So there was no way they'd miss a chance to talk about Antonio Banderas' turn as the singing and dancing narrator Che in the (slightly forgotten) film adaptation of Evita. The hosts dig into what they think about Andrew Lloyd Webber in general, what the hell this musical is trying to say about its titular character, and the unexpected role Madonna played in launching Antonio's American career. Plus they discuss the way musical theater has continued to shape Antonio's career right up until today. Oh, and they go on a lengthy tangent about the Playmobil movie for some reason too.

• As mentioned in the episode, here's the clip of Madonna gushing over Antonio Banderas in her "Truth or Dare" documentary: https://youtu.be/KAVqLKDwSOo

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

What happens when a single film immediately makes you America's sweetheart? That's what Caroline and Ned plan to find out as they kick off 2022 by diving into the career of the rom-com queen herself, Meg Ryan. Not only did 1989's When Harry Met Sally make Ryan a star, it also inspired an entire renaissance in rom-com filmmaking. Ned and Caroline dig into what makes this timeless classic so good, sing the praises of Ryan's comedic timing, and try not to just quote every single iconic line from this all-timer romance.

• Read Caroline's column about When Harry Met Sally (avclub.com/after-when-harry-met-sally-almost-every-rom-com-tried-1823690771)
• Watch Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron discuss making the film (youtu.be/q5-j7K8Mbzk)

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

The name's Wright, Jeffrey Wright. And even if you don't recognize him by that moniker, you almost certainly know his face. This week, Ned and Caroline kick off their new miniseries on one of the best character actors around. And they're joined by special guest Joe Cunningham of the Cinematic Universe podcast to look at Wright's brand new big screen project: No Time To Die.

Wright's small but memorable role as Felix Leiter is one of the cornerstones of the Daniel Craig era of Bond. And Ned, Caroline, and Joe pay tribute to what makes Wright such a great bit player, while diving deep into all things 007.

You can follow Joe on Twitter (twitter.com/JoeCunningham14) and find Cinematic Universe (twitter.com/cine_verse) wherever you listen to podcasts.

Here's the short IMDb video essay on Jeffrey Wright's unusual career path: youtu.be/nWG8RBhnXf0

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Are you watching closely? In the final episode of their Christian Bale retrospective series, Caroline and Ned dive into one of their favorites: Christopher Nolan's 2006 dueling magician drama, The Prestige. A movie that might just inadvertently sum up Christian Bale's entire movie star persona. But what makes The Prestige so great? How do its many twists hold up on a rewatch? And how did Christian prepare for a role that has a whole lot going on beneath the surface? Ned and Caroline dive into all that and more, with just the bare minimum of terrible British accent impressions. Plus they introduce the star of their next retrospective series!

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Before Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks became a beloved rom-com couple in Sleepless In Seattle and You've Got Mail, they starred in the kooky adventure romance, Joe Versus the Volcano — a cult classic if there ever was one. This week, Caroline and Ned delve into this wackadoo little John Patrick Shanley movie, and sing the praises of not one but three separate Meg Ryan performances.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

It's been one year since the pod debuted, and to celebrate, Ned and Caroline decided to throw the first annual Role Calling Awards! So join for some very silly fun as the hosts award best chemistry, biggest surprise, best villain and so much more.

(Special thanks to our friends at the Cinematic Universe podcast for inspiring this idea!)

In other updates: We have an Instagram! Follow us there (instagram.com/rolecalling/) for even more podcast extras!

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Role Calling takes a swerve into the 1950s this week, as Caroline and Ned kick off their brand new series on James Dean. The Hollywood legend and famed method actor only made three movies before his untimely death at the age of 24. And this series will cover them all, starting with his iconic turn as Jim Stark in 1955's Rebel Without A Cause. It's a conversation for fans and novices alike as the hosts dig into Dean's biography, talk through the film's unique plot structure, and share their favorite moments of Dean's stellar performance.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Golden rings, bearded men, elves in white dresses with blue satin sashes — what are The Lord of the Rings films if not the ultimate holiday classics? So to celebrate the festive season, Ned and Caroline are kicking off a brand new series on Peter Jackson's iconic LOTR trilogy and its stellar ensemble acting.

This week, returning guests Zoë Maltby and Emily Marso join for a goofy, earnest, unexpectedly horny celebration of The Fellowship of the Ring.

Watch the 2020 Lord of the Rings cast Zoom reunion

You can follow Zoë on Instagram and Twitter (both @captainmaltby), as well as on Letterboxd (@zoecatherine). And you can follow Emily on Instagram and Twitter (both @missmarso).

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

After bursting onto the scene as a 1970s Scream Queen, Jamie Lee Curtis remade herself as a 1980s comedy star. And this week, Ned and Caroline welcome special guest Walls Trimble to discuss the beloved 1988 slapstick heist, A Fish Called Wanda. The trio chat pink mohair sweaters, Kevin Kline's fearless performance, and how Jamie might just steal this movie from her co-stars.

You can follow Walls on Instagram (instagram.com/trimblenator) and listen to her podcast I Have A Question With Rachel And Walls (anchor.fm/withrachelandwalls). You can also check out her vintage resale shop Honeybell Vintage (instagram.com/honeybellvintage) and hire her for all your photography needs (wallslikebuildings.com)

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Jeffrey Wright once referred to Angels In America as the "epicenter" of his career. After winning a Tony for his performance on Broadway in 1994, he reprised his role in HBO's prestigious 2003 star-studded miniseries adaptation. This week, Ned and Caroline look back on Tony Kushner's masterwork with the help of actor, singer, and queer futurist Will Wilhelm. Let the great work begin!

You can follow Will on Instagram (instagram.com/wwilhelm) and find their podcast Teacakes & Tarot (instagram.com/teacakesandtarot) wherever you listen to podcasts.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Have you ever questioned the nature of your reality? For the final installment in their Jeffrey Wright retrospective series, Ned and Caroline do just that by taking a trip into Westworld's first season. Though this show features virtually all of Ned's favorite things, he had never actually seen it before. So he and Caroline welcome Westworld aficionado Rachel Kenney to help them work through the maze.

You can follow Rachel on Instagram (instagram.com/rachel.kenney) and Twitter (twitter.com/RachKenney), and find I Have a Question with Rachel and Walls (anchor.fm/withrachelandwalls) wherever you listen to podcasts.

You can also learn more about Rachel's upcoming show in New York City here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/outoftouch-nyc-production

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Gird your loins, it's a brand new era for Role Calling! Ned is in the hosting chair this week as Role Calling kicks off our Emily Blunt retrospective series. The beloved British actress memorably burst onto the scene in the iconic 2006 workplace comedy, The Devil Wears Prada. So Ned and Caroline take a look at what makes her scene-stealing performance so good, as well as how this movie holds up today. Plus they chat about what role Emily was originally auditioning for when she got Devil Wears Prada, how Hollywood treats women in general, and whether or not Nate is the worst.

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

True Lies is a nostalgic favorite and the first film with a budget over $100 million, but how does it hold up today? Ned and Caroline spend this entire episode debating that very question! From its great action scenes to its troubling racism and sexism to that infamous striptease, the co-hosts try to weigh the good against the bad in this action-comedy classic. Plus they psychoanalyze James Cameron, praise the range of Jamie Lee Curtis, and deliver some terrible Arnold Schwarzenegger impressions.

As discussed in this episode, you can read more about Eliza Dushku's experience of abuse on the set of True Lies (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/eliza-dushku-says-true-lies-stunt-coordinator-sexually-assaulted-her-she-was-12-1074594/) and read Jamie Lee Curtis' statement of support (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jamie-lee-curtis-eliza-dushku-true-lies-abuse_b_5a5ba76de4b03c418966b2e2).

Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.